• ABSTRACT
    • Effective use of modern antihypertensive agents requires an intimate understanding of the various side effects associated with each of the drugs. Some of the undesirable side effects are unavoidable because they are inherent in the action of the drug. For example, hypokalemia and hyperuricemia are inherent side effects of diuretic therapy. Other adverse reactions are idiosyncratic and difficult to predict. With careful monitoring and individual therapeutic planning, these side effects need not inhibit efforts to control hypertension.